Meet Michaela Mckay - Life is a Song. Love is the Music!

Sep 18

Sep 18 Meet Michaela Mckay - Life is a Song. Love is the Music!

PP: When did you start playing music?

MM: I first started playing music (singing) when I was in Year 1 and 2. Singing in front of the whole school (The Stonebridge School) was for me, the beginning.

PP: What was the first musical instrument you played?

MM: The first instrument I ever played was the steel pan.

PP: When were you first introduced to the steelpan instrument?

MM: I was introduced to steel pan at the age of 5 when I was visiting family members in Tobago.

PP: What made you want to start playing pans?

MM: Hearing the sound that came out of the pans and seeing the band happy and joyous made me say, “YES! I want to do this.” (I was 6 then)

PP: When did you start playing pan?

MM: I started when I was 7 in 2009.

PP: What is the name of the First band you played for?

MM: The first steel and only steel band I have played for is St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra (SMA3SO).

PP: What steel bands have you played for?

MM: I have only played for St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra.

PP: When did you attend your first panorama?

MM: I do not recall going to panorama as I was young. I have seen videos and live recordings of T&T panorama and they were phenomenal! Hopefully, in 2021, I’ll make my way there.

PP: If you could play for any steelband in the world what band would you want to play with?

MM: BP Renegades Steel Orchestra. Their rendition of ‘Like Ah Boss’ was BEAUTIFUL! The way they play and the energy they give is great!

PP: What steelband competitions have you taken part in?

MM: The competition I have played in is playing at Notting Hill Carnival for the Best Band and Best Junior Band on the Road.

PP: Tell us more about your experiences in these competitions and how it has assisted in your musical journey?

MM: 2010 Notting Hill Carnival has been my most memorable carnival as it was my first time on the road. Wearing the ‘Battlezone’ uniform made me feel good inside. It made me feel like a team player and that I was part of a group that accepted me for my gifts, talent and uniqueness. As the years progressed, I became more confident as I was opening up to the audiences and smiling along with them. Carnival is a beautiful creation and I am grateful that I have been part of it.

PP: How many tours have you completed and where did you travel to?

MM: I have travelled across England, for the most part. I have played in churches, weddings, civic events such as award ceremonies, St Pauls Cathedral, Westminster Abbey where I was an escort for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and New Willesden Cemetery where we played the Last Post. I also got to lay flowers alongside Prince William. Yes, we did speak to each other and it was an experience I will never forget. I have also played at Lords Cricket Ground on numerous occasions. From village championships to International Competitions (England vs New Zealand was one of my favourites) Steel pan has given me plenty to reap. I have also been to Chichester where I had my picture taken alongside my pan friend, Lemu whilst we were sailing. The picture is now part of Hyde Youth Bank.

Michaela at Lords Cricket Ground with SMASO.

PP: What was the most challenging thing you have done to do with pans?

MM: 1: The most challenging thing I have done was performing on my own at a wedding. No keyboard, no backing, just me, my sticks and my pan. I would gladly do it again!

2: Me playing to the public during the Christmas period on my own at ASDA.

3: Waking up at 4 am to go to carnival.

4: Switching from 4ths and 5ths to the Invader style steelpan. 8-year-old, Michaela was concerned as to what note (F#) was in the middle of the pan and why low D and middle D were at opposite ends of the pan.

PP: What’s been the most inspirational moment in your musical life?

MM: Me receiving the Jack Petchey award alongside my band mates, Lemu Coker and Stella Lienu. Also, winning Best Band on the Road two consecutive times. That was thrilling! Also, playing Simba in the Year 6 production of The Lion King.

PP: What is your role/position in the steelband you play for?

MM: I am the Tenor Section Lead!

PP: Can you let us know what is the importance of the role/position you hold in the steelband?

MM: Not only do I teach and cascade music to the members, I also do admin and look after the younger members in the band.

PP: What are the important qualities/skills that an individual must possess to perform the role that you do in a steelband?

MM: 1: Effective communication. This means that you have to be clear when you speak so there is no miscommunication.

2: RESPECT! Treat all members with respect and help those in need.

3: Being supportive. When members are going through their ups, celebrate with them. When they are down, especially when members are struggling, encourage them, be that listening ear. They might be going through a phase that you might have been through when you were learning that particular song.

4: Patience and Consideration. Know that they are human too. It is nice when someone appreciates your help and kindness. Also, they tend to trust you since you are not judging them and being harsh on their mistakes.

PP: What is your favourite pan to play?

MM: My favourite pan to play is the invader tenor as it is my strongest pan to play.

PP: What other musical instruments do you play?

MM: I can sing and currently relearning the saxophone.

Michaela performing with SMASO colleagues

PP: Who/What are your inspirations both to do with pans and musically?

MM: There are so many names I can put down here…

Teacher Freddy (Alfred Totesaut) as he has taught me a huge repertoire of songs and pieces and being the friendliest and hilarious teacher I have had.

My fellow pan mates Atoyah, Reggae, Kerian, Tashana, Lemar, Uwan, Andre, Elijah, Toby, Dylan and Ackoy. We are able to look out for each other, support one another and celebrate our achievements together. Can’t ask for a better friendship group than them.

Candice Falconer. She has been a super mentor to me, inside and outside of pan, as well as supporting me through GCSEs when things were going south.

Patrick McKay (aka my dad)! He has been with me every step of the way. He was the one that introduced me to steel pan. Also, the way he shares his love for music and steel pan makes me happy as that love is being passed through the members and through our playing. He has helped me with the technical learning (drilling nonstop, playing individually as well as phrasing). Dad, if you are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH for being by my side and helping me to become the awesome musician and daughter that I am today. Even though we had our fair share of inconvenient moments (we had plenty of those!), nothing can dull the happy and enjoyable memories we had together. LOVE YA!

PP: What are your hopes for pan in the future?

MM: I hope that the love of steel pan will spread across the world. Seeing it on live TV on BBC 2 or ITV would be brilliant!

PP: What is your vision for pan in the future in the UK and Globally?

MM: I see pan in famous music halls and venues across the globe, pan being respected as an instrument and being integrated into different cultures. Also, I see pan being a valuable tool to help people express themselves and ease the pain and struggle that they are going through. I also see pan being used as a method for therapy (physio, occupational) within care homes and rehabilitation centres for people with dementia and different mobility issues. Being able to lift one's arm and the movement of the wrist would help with the strengthening of that limb and retain the muscle memory. Since dementia is causing people to forget even the most basic of arm movements (yes, did work experience at a nursing home), this would be a joy for the families. This would also reduce stress and issues that they might be facing and bring back happy memories. My career choice is to become a physiotherapist and I would love the medical world to take such an instrument on board.

Michaela performing at the 1000 Pans event on the Southbank

PP: What are your musical aspirations for the future?

MM: For the future, my musical aspirations are for me to lead and help young people with their dreams to become a musician, teach them the skills and knowledge to push them, no matter the instrument. Go for it! The only person stopping you is YOU.

PP: What do you think needs to happen for the steelpan instrument and its culture to be more widely recognised on all musical platforms globally.

MM: For me, it is all about drawing and communicating with the audience. If the audience relates to a song that you are playing, they would be drawn to it. If a Russian heard on the steel pan a Russian song or piece, they will be excited and will want to hear more. Same goes for other countries.

Different cultures would appreciate you and your culture for playing their cultural pieces. Sharing is caring!

I would like to say thank you to all those that have supported me throughout my musical journey. First and foremost, I want to say thank you to the Lord for keeping me alive and well to be able to go out and share the joy of steel pan to the community.

My family (especially mum) working behind the scenes, making sure I was well and strong enough to go on events, coming to my aid when I forgot my pan at home next to my bed (Yes, this did happen.), coming along to carnival to support me and making sure I ate those sandwiches. Overall, mum has been my superstar and she deserves infinity hugs and kisses!

From my teachers in primary all the way to college, thank you for allowing me to bring the steel pan in and play for you all.

My non-steel pan friends who have taken the time to learn about the steel pan and resisting the urge to bang on the pan. (REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR STICKS WITH YOU WHEN THE PAN IS NOT IN USE!)